About Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century.

Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond.

We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship.

We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Counsellors (contract, part-time)

The Olds College Counsellor(s) reports to the Senior Manager, Athletics and Wellness. The Counsellor provides individual and group counselling services to Olds College students with a focus on brief counselling in a non-clinical setting.

In addition to providing individual counselling, the Counsellor plans and provides workshops, develops outreach activities and liaises with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

As part of an integrated service team, the Counsellor will provide risk assessment, crisis intervention and referral, on an as-needed basis.

The Counsellor is part of a multi-disciplinary professional team that supports students to function effectively as learners at Olds College.

The Counsellor helps students address personal, social, and educational challenges to improve their ability to cope with the demands of an educational environment.

Key Job Functions : Counselling Services

Counselling Services

Provide individual and group counselling to students on a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and academic concerns.

This may occur in-person or via approved telehealth / virtual counselling options.

Develop and implement treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of students.

Offer crisis intervention and support to students experiencing acute distress or emergencies.

Supporting students at risk, on and off campus, helping them identify and understand problem areas in their lives;

Connecting students with internal and external resources to facilitate successful treatment planning

Providing safe and affirming counselling for students identifying with minoritized and / or marginalized equity seeking groups including but not limited to Indigenous, international, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and students with disabilities;

Mental Health Education and Outreach :

Develop and deliver workshops, seminars, and programs on mental health and wellness topics.

Participate in campus-wide mental health awareness and prevention initiatives.

Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student organizations to promote mental health education.

Demonstrates a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity. This includes actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding.

Foster a proactive approach to promoting equity and embracing differences, both within their role and in the broader community.

Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well-being and security of all individuals at Olds College, shows a proactive attitude towards safety measures, continuously striving to enhance safety protocols and procedures to ensure the highest standards of protection, collaborates with colleagues to instill a culture of shared responsibility and accountability when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure work setting.

Collaboration and Consultation :

Work closely with other campus services, such as health services, academic advising, and residence life, to ensure a holistic approach to student support.

Provide consultation and training to faculty and staff on recognizing and responding to student mental health concerns.

Refer students to external resources and services when necessary.

Record Keeping and Reporting :

Maintain accurate and confidential records of counselling sessions and student interactions.

Prepare reports and documentation as required by college policies and procedures.

Ensure compliance with relevant ethical, legal, and professional standards.

Maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive information is a fundamental requirement for this position, ensuring the utmost discretion and integrity in handling all data and communications.

Professional Development :

Stay current with developments in the field of counselling and mental health.

Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Contribute to the development and implementation of best practices in student counselling services.

Remaining familiar and in adherence with the Health Professions Act, Health Information Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, CAP / ACSW Standards of Practice, Canadian Code of Ethics / CASW Code of Ethics and Guideline for Ethical Practice, and the CAP Practice Guidelines for Psychologists

Education / Experience / Skills / Knowledge Required

Master’s degree in Counselling, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Social Work, or a related field.

Licensed or eligible for licensure as a professional counsellor or social worker in the relevant jurisdiction.

Experience in providing counselling services in an educational setting preferred.

Strong assessment, intervention, and crisis management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health services. Experience working with LGBTQ2S+, Black and Indigenous and People of Colour Communities, and students with disabilities.

Knowledge of trauma-sensitive practice concepts.

Conditions of Employment :

Current Police Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector check that is free of any offenses.

Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility.

It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Open until suitable candidate found

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process.

At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.